Marquetry,also
known as Moaraq is derived from intarsia or inlay. Marquetry
is the art form used in making pictures and designs with thin slices
of an immense variety of colored and textured wood, glass, shell,
and other materials. It is an ancient technique for decorating the
surfaces of furniture, as well as a versatile means of creative expression.
The marqueter makes complex pictures by carefully cutting different
veneers of wood into various shapes. These precisely cut pieces are
glued into a solid stable surface. The finished product or picture
is sanded and then polished.

Hundreds
of years ago, Persians and Egyptians decorated many pieces of their
woodwork with inlay. In fact, some of the material recovered from
Egyptian tombs such as chests, coffers, and other furniture were completely
covered with inlay. tiles, ivory, gold and precious stones are just
a few of the wonderfully decorative pieces used in the design of this
form of Art to signify special
prestigious and ritual importance.

In
Persia, India and China the marqueter created many decorative pieces.
From inlay picture designs to complex wood technique set into wood
and tile mosaics on walls and furniture. All
were simply beautiful and breathtaking. Most of the Artworks are so
beautifully made that one might think that the figures and the shapes
are painted.

In
Iran, Moaraq (Marquetry) is mostly inspired through miniature and
arabesque (Tazhib) sketches. All painting details on miniature are
performed fascinatinglythrough cutting wood layers by micro saw blade.